Thursday, May 13, 2010

Being a parent has been filled with memorable moments; some of them embarrassing, some of them delightful, others frightening or sad. It never fails, however, when watching one of my children perform (in whatever capacity)—I am filled with joy!

Now the moments leading up to that performance are usually filled with nervousness, anxiety, and prayers for success. But once they step on that stage, whatever they do simply brings an overwhelming delight to my heart!

Tonight my son got to play Paul McCartney in his 4th grade program. He was a last minute fill-in, because the child who was originally cast was unable to perform. Not having practiced more than once or twice didn't seem to phase Jordan though! Admittedly he did mention being nervous, but once on stage the "ham" took over. He even held the guitar "backwards" like Paul, sang all the words, and cracked everyone up with his hand signs and "strumming". It was a wonderful night! And I am so very thankful he had that opportunity to shine!

This weekend my daughter has her dance revue. This will be her ninth year! For the past two years she has performed a solo, and every year I have been amazed at how much she has grown as a dancer. I am looking forward to this revue with bittersweet feelings, because it may well be her last year. But I know once she gets on that stage, nothing will matter but getting to watch her beauty and grace!

I am filled with thanks this evening for children who are healthy, who love life, and who make me smile daily!

Monday, May 10, 2010

I just received an email from an online organization called hotelscombined.com.They will donate $20 to the ALS division of the MDA for my help in spreading the word about their website! I jumped at the chance! So I have copied information straight from their site, because I figured they could explain what they do better than me:)

So if you are traveling and want to find the best deals on hotels, check out this site. It is not a reservation site, they simply show you all the hotels in that area...basically doing your searching for you!

The following is from HotelsCombined.com:

What we do HotelsCombined.com is a unique search engine that consumers can use to find hotel availability and rates, and to compare prices and offers from multiple merchants. Using our service, travelers no longer have to search websites one by one to find the best deals and lowest rates. Once you find the supplier suitable for your needs, we link you through to the supplier website to book directly. We are independent and are not paid to promote any particular website or hotel. We are committed to showing the "complete picture" for any hotel that can be booked on the Internet today.

HotelsCombined.com allows users to:Conveniently search multiple hotel reservation websites simultaneously to find the lowest prices - in one search and on the one website. HotelsCombined.com searches the hotel websites directly and in real-time ensuring you receive the latest prices and availability.Compare prices and availability from all major accommodation providers on the same screen. We search the world’s most popular hotel reservation websites allowing instant comparison of hotel details, rates, taxes and availability information on one simple web page. Compare online travel agents such as Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains including the Intercontinental Hotel Group and many others.Search over 1,500,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants, and access over 1.5m consumer reviews, 3m hotel images, 2m hotel descriptions and maps HotelsCombined.com is free to use.

We do not alter the rates in anyway: we are not involved in the pricing process and we do not change the prices displayed by the reservation websites. We are all about finding the best deal for your preferred hotel!

What we don't do:

HotelsCombined.com is not a travel agent. We do not sell hotels nor provide reservation services. You cannot make a booking on our website. We are a search engine that finds you the best deal for your accommodation needs. Once you identify the best priced provider or best deal for you, we link you through to our partner sites to complete your reservation directly on their website. Please note: Any queries you have regarding reservations, amendments, cancellations or hotel specific information must be directed to our supplier partners, who handle your reservation. Click here to view our list of supplier partners.

How to use our site:

Enter your city and travel dates.Receive a listing of hotels for your city. You can order the results by popularity, star rating, location, consumer ratings and price. You can view prices in the currency of your destination or in your local currency, as well as select from a list of major global currencies.Select your hotel and view the hotel's details including descriptions, photos, reviews and maps.View rates from multiple hotel reservation websites and suppliers to compare prices.Use the best priced reservation supplier for your preferred hotel to make a direct reservation. Click on the "Select" button, you will get redirected to the suppliers' website to book directly.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day! I hope today is not the only day my mother feels appreciated and loved. It seems somehow negligent to only set aside one day a year to purposely make her feel special.

My mother is now one of my best friends. We share joys and frustrations, fears and plans. That relationship has developed over 38 years in which she has been care-taker, coach, provider, disciplinarian, teacher, referee, nurse...and so much more!

When I was in the second grade and planned my first slumber party in which no one came, my mother invited three of her ninth (?) graders and took me with them to the mall. It didn't quite heal the wound of that rejection, but it was the very best effort she could have made!

Some of my favorite childhood memories with my mom are baking with her during the holidays. That is something that my daughter now looks forward to with me...and of course we make many of the same cookies!

When I was a teenager and needed to raise money for a choir trip to Singapore, she went out of her way to try and sell ads for me. She never meets a stranger, and I hated being a salesman even back then...so she took up the job!

When I returned from a drama trip to London with white blond hair and an extra ear piercing (all my friends were dying to know what my mother would do), she just looked at me and said blithely, "Well, at least you didn't get married while you were over there."

One of the best pieces of advice my mother ever gave me was in regards to choosing a husband. She told me that when I found someone who made me as happy as my father made her, then I would know he was the one. Thanks, Mom for helping me set the bar!

My mother is special on more than just one day a year. I hope she knows that! I'm going to make sure I tell her more often. I wouldn't be the person I am today without her.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Today I had the opportunity to share a bit about "Second Chance" in a television interview on WAFF 48 News at Noon. I am so very thankful for the opportunity! I only wish I could have talked faster, because when the spot was over, I realized I had not had time to mention my support for ALS or my upcoming book signing event!

So I'm taking a moment to mention them both on here, in case you haven't heard through other channels!

As of April, 2010, I have dedicated a portion of all copies of "Second Chance" sold to the ALS division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). This was a decision I made after my father was diagnosed with this disease in January of this year. He is doing very well right now, and I want to do all I can to help support this cause!

I will also be at The Coffee Tree Books and Brew with copies of "Second Chance" available for purchase, this Saturday, May 8th, from 9am-1pm. This venue is located on Bailey Cove Road in Huntsville. It is quite easy to find, and is across the street from Grissom High School. For driving directions, you can visit www.coffeetreebnb.com

I am really looking forward to this event, and hope lots of you can come out and support this great little coffee shop, as well as your "favorite" new author*wink*. I have been told the store sells biegnets on Saturday mornings...so that alone should be worth the drive! Hope to see you there, even if you already have your copy!

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About Me

I have been a teacher for 15 years. This blog is dedicated, however, to my writing. I am the author of "Second Chance", an FBI romantic suspense novel, set in modern day Colorado. A second book has been completed and a third is being written.